Resource revenue sharing for First Nations is out, but more money and more effort to close the education gap is in.
During a year-end interview with MBC News, provincial NDP leader Cam Broten shared some of his views on where the party is heading.
Aboriginal issues are front and centre for the provincial NDP as it gets ready for next spring’s election.
Broten says there is a lot of disparity between aboriginals and non-aboriginals, and that must change.
Closing the gap, particularly in education, should be a priority for all levels of government, he said.
“Morally it’s not right and any thinking person can know that,” he said. “But out of economic self-interest it’s not smart either. It’s like shooting ourselves in the foot because we are not taking the steps that need to be there to ensure that everyone can participate and that everyone can reach their full potential.”
The aboriginal high school graduation rate in Saskatchewan is about 40 per cent compared to 83 per cent for non-aboriginal students. Broten also says the party has abandoned plans for a resource revenue sharing deal with First Nations. The idea was floated by the party during the last provincial election campaign in 2011.
“You know the proposal in the last provincial election didn’t work for me, it didn’t work for anyone in the province,” he said. “It didn’t work for First Nations leaders, it didn’t work for the province as a whole….that’s not on. We do need to make sure the resources we have benefit everyone in the province.”
The NDP’s position is now similar to that of the government, which has repeatedly stated there will be no special resource revenue sharing deal with specific groups.
The provincial election will be held April 4. MLAs are currently on their Christmas break and will not be returning to the house until after the spring election.
The NDP holds nine seats, including both ridings in the province’s north.